A couple of band aids and, problem solved. I wore them on my second century ride and everything was fine.

I had no clue when I started this thread it would get to this point. I use Body Glide in place of chamois creme, goes on like a very personal anti-perspirant.

One problem with excess lube in the chamois area is it tends to create folds in the chamois, which can make themselves known by blistering you. It's a bigger problem during salt-water triathlons, but this thread is about long bike rides, so I'll shut up.

Well, this is something that a newbie should know; no doubt. These small measures and tips will make for a much more pleasant first century. Everything mentioned here is good stuff.

I'll add another one:

STRETCH!

Many organized century rides have rest zones with food and water where you can refuel. Stop in and stretch your arms, shoulders, back and legs. Then grab a bite and some fluids. Stretching helps a lot and will make your ride more comfortable.

What you're wearing makes a big difference. Wool and acrylic take a heavy toll. Cotton, and more modern synthetics are much less abrasive. If in doubt, I'd err on the side of feeling a little dorky. I've never had a problem with saddle chafing. Discomfort from pressure? Yes. Chafing, no. But then again, I do sit for a living. :o

and nose

I was thinking about wearing my new Swobo jersey, but I think I'll switch to something a bit more light, smooth and thin.

I'm really excited about my first century (metric) and this thread is helping, but not helping! If that makes any sense :)

:thumb:

Almost for forgot about that...

Water bottles on the bike:innocent:

This is a great thread, with a lot of good advise, that I unfortunately never seem to follow.

For one thing, I have never actually set out to do a Century. It just seems to happen on it's own. My typical ride is anywhere between 25 and 40 miles, but sometimes I get the urge to keep going. Seeing the odometer trip over 50 miles is sort of an incentive to make it a metric century, and that obviously leads to the inevitable, "well, it's not that big a deal to add a few more miles". Famous last words.

In any case, the key is to be ready for it physically, and keep the bike in a good state of tune. By "physically ready" I mean well fed, not immediately before, obviously, and well hydrated. The other thing, is to actually look forward to it, rather than see it as a chore. Mental preparation can literally be no more than "I'm feeling pretty good, so I think I will keep going". There is little physical benefit from doing a Century, as opposed to a 25 or 30 mile ride, and in fact, you will likely tear your body down to a certain extent, so there is no reason to do it from a physical perspective. The emotional benefits from going farther than you usually do, and the knowledge that you are capable of such feats is priceless.

Tune it up, and saddle up, use a little bit of common sense, and go for it. You will almost certainly succeed.

Only thing I would add is to try and learn the area that the race will be taking place. Try to learn a couple of the major roads and which direction you would need to go in order to get back on the right path in case you get lost. There is nothing worse than losing your way and possibly missing a rest area on the way, just ask Robbie about that. Always be sure to bring the cue sheet and don't be afraid to ask locals if you even have the slightest inkling that you may be lost if you find yourself riding solo; it's better to reaffirm that you are headed in the right direction than to add another 10-20 miles to your century.

Also remember that it is a full morning of riding when riding the first 20 miles, don't want to wear yourself out early and die later.

A couple years ago, there were two rides in the area on the same day, one was a loop, the other was out and back. The routes shared the same roads in a couple places. A rider on the loop route was riding on one of the shared spots and got to talking with some riders who were on the other route. Due to the distraction, she followed the crowd all the way back to the start of the wrong ride, which was about 30 miles from her car.

To add to checking the roof rack, check it when you get home BEFORE you pull into the garage.

How are you guys doing your centuries? Like, how fast? I don't even wear bike shorts, and I've never gotten any chafing (especially the nips).

I'm getting ready to leave for one in about an hour, and it isn't much over a normal ride, just about 2 times the distance.

Seems like overkill, or am I missing something?

"You da man," then. I've seen them done that way, usually on hybrids.

How fast? Dunno, I don't have a speedometer. Depends who I'm riding with.

And your KNEES! That's where I always get sunburned while riding, and nowhere else.

Then the burn fades, and I have a very interesting and distinct tan line above my knees from the cycling shorts. People laugh when I show them. It's black and white, to speak..